Ergonomics and Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of deviated wrist postures on the carpal tunnel?

  • They increase tendon friction and compress the median nerve. (correct)
  • They have no impact on grip strength.
  • They increase the volume of the carpal tunnel.
  • They decrease tendon friction.

    • Increasing the frequency of repetitive tasks reduces the risk of cumulative trauma disorders.

    False

    What grip type involves the thumb and one finger gripping an object?

    Pad to pad grip (pinch grip)

    The tendency for greater tension during work cycles results from increased _____ by the hands and fingers.

    <p>force</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the grip type with its description:

    <p>Cylindrical grip = Fingers flexed around an object, thumb on one side Spherical grip = Fingers and thumb together around an object Tip to Tip grip = Tip of thumb against tip of a finger Lumbrical grip = MCP and PIP joint flexed while DIP is extended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom caused by direct impacts to the palm?

    <p>Compression of the median nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hook grip involves extending the thumb and using fingers to grip an object.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does maintaining an upright neck position provide?

    <p>Reduces fatigue in the neck</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When seated, loads on the lumbar spine are less than when standing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes to the risk of cumulative trauma disorders in relation to tool design?

    <p>Improper design of the hand-held tool</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of tilting the head forward by 30° or more?

    <p>Significant neck fatigue occurs rapidly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To decrease disc loading in sitting workstations, one should use lumbar ______.

    <p>support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following workplace adjustments with their benefits:

    <p>Standing workstation = Preserves the normal lordotic curve Sitting workstation with backrest angle over 90° = Decreases disc loading Using an anti-fatigue mat = Reduces physical body stresses Small downward slope of seat pan = Enhances proper spinal alignment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are motorized handheld tools known for?

    <p>Reducing the need for work cycle repetitions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The posterior elements of the spine engage more when seated compared to standing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an effective way to measure the neck flexion angle?

    <p>By connecting a line from C7 to the tragus of the ear and comparing it with the vertical line passing through C7.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one benefit of floor mats in a workspace?

    <p>They facilitate body sway and decrease ground reaction force.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High-risk classifications require urgent implementation of risk reduction measures.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What interdisciplinary model is used to understand pain tolerance?

    <p>Biopsychosocial model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Floor mats can help minimize fatigue by enhancing the pumping of blood through back muscles, thereby decreasing _____ .

    <p>fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the risk classification with its evaluation of tolerability:

    <p>Very high = Unacceptable High = Acceptable Medium = Risks that should be reduced Low = Acceptable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the risk classification table, what category represents risks that are considered acceptable with no further action needed?

    <p>Very low</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ground reaction force is associated with reducing blood flow through back muscles.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What measures should be taken for risks classified as ‘very high’?

    <p>These risks should be deemed unacceptable, requiring immediate action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step of risk control?

    <p>Designing safety control measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Employers should never conduct a cost-benefit analysis when reducing risks.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one factor that must be considered when prioritizing safety control measures.

    <p>The number of individuals exposed to the risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The implementation of prevention measures aims to reduce the likelihood of _____ occurrence.

    <p>work accidents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of safety control measure implementation?

    <p>Restoration measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should happen if risks cannot be eliminated?

    <p>They should be reduced to an acceptable level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of measures with their description:

    <p>Prevention measures = Reduce likelihood of accidents Protection measures = Shield workers from risks Mitigation measures = Lessening impact of hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Additional safety measures may be necessary for workers with special needs.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a collective protection measure?

    <p>Use of guards and physical barriers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Individual protection measures should be prioritized over collective measures.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of mitigation measures in a workplace?

    <p>To reduce the severity of damage and harm in the event of an accident.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the OSH Act, workers have the 'Right to Know' about the __________ they are exposed to.

    <p>hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following safety measures with their descriptions:

    <p>Emergency plan = Prepared response for accidents Job rotation = Diminishing exposure duration Training courses = Legal requirement for risk awareness PPE = Individual protection against residual risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a part of organizational measures?

    <p>Individual Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Management monitoring is an essential part of promoting a safety culture in the workplace.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one example of a collective protection measure.

    <p>Use of guards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does a higher backrest angle combined with lumbar support have on the lumbar discs?

    <p>Limits the force on the lumbar discs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sitting on a therapy ball can reduce the risk of fatigue in back muscles.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one mechanism to minimize back muscle fatigue throughout the day?

    <p>Using foot rails to allow leg relaxation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ process can initiate a cumulative trauma sequence due to muscle fatigue.

    <p>static overload</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following work environments with their potential impacts on back muscles:

    <p>Auto assembly = Higher risk of muscular strains due to repetitive motions Food processing = Involves static loading of back muscles Therapy ball usage = Promotes balance and core strength Office work = May lead to poor posture and muscle fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can alternating legs placed on a foot rest impact back muscles?

    <p>It helps minimize back muscle fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hyper-extension of the trunk is a safe posture in the workplace.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 'LIFTMAX' black belt?

    <p>To provide support and reduce strain on the back during lifting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Risk Factors for Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD)

    • Deviated wrist postures from neutral: reduce carpal tunnel volume, increasing tendon friction and compressing the median nerve; reduce grip strength due to altered muscle length-strength relationship.
    • Increased frequency/repetition of work cycle: increases friction within tendons, accelerating CTD progression.
    • Increased force during work cycle: greater force results in greater tendon tension, not muscle tension.
    • Direct impacts to the palm: impacts to the palm of the hand, causing compression and symptoms (contact stress). The median nerve runs near the palm.

    Hand Grips

    • Power grip: used to hold and move objects forcefully; involves proximal muscles.
    • Precision grip: used to manipulate objects precisely; involves fingers.

    Power Grips (Specific Types)

    • Cylindrical grip: fingers flexed around an object, thumb on one side, fingers on the other (e.g., gripping a hammer).
    • Spherical grip: fingers and thumb wrapped around an object (e.g., grabbing an apple).
    • Hook grip: second to fifth fingers flexed around an object in a hook-like manner. Thumb is not involved.
    • Lateral prehension: objects held between fingers (rarely used).

    Precision Grips (Specific Types)

    • Pad-to-pad grip (pinch grip): involves thumb and one or more fingers (e.g., holding a pencil).
    • Tip-to-tip grip (pincer grip): involves tips of thumb and finger (e.g., picking up a coin).
    • Lumbrical grip (plate grip): MCP and PIP joints flexed; DIP extended; thumb opposes; used to hold horizontal objects like a plate.

    Hand Grip and CTDs

    • CTDs can result from incorrect grip choices required by tasks or improper hand/wrist tool design.

    Matched Anthropometry

    • Measurements of grip width (3.5" optimum / 1.5" min) and grip length (4.8") are relevant for correct hand/tool design relationship.

    Motorized Hand Held Tools

    • Motorized tools help reduce physical stresses and repetition of work cycles.

    The Neck

    • Neck disorders are associated with sustained work postures.
    • Upright neck positions reduce neck fatigue.
    • Forward head tilt (30° or more) significantly increases neck fatigue(increases the weight moment arm, thus requiring more muscle activation).

    Measuring Neck Flexion Angle

    • Measured by the intersection of two lines: a vertical line through C7 (seventh cervical vertebra) and a line from C7 to the tragus of the ear.

    Burden of Staring at a Smartphone

    • The effective weight on the spine increases with forward tilt. Quantified at different angles.

    Visual Acuity in Chronic Neck Problems

    • Visual acuity should be assessed in individuals with chronic neck problems.

    The Back

    • Anatomy of the spine (vertebral body, pedicle, facet joints, lamina, transverse/spinous processes). Associated curves (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral)
    • The intervertebral disc anatomy.
    • Lumbar spine loads are higher during sitting compared to standing.
    • Spine load paths are different for seated vs. standing positions.

    How to Decrease Disc Loading

    • Standing: maintain normal lumbar spine lordosis; use anti-fatigue mats.
    • Sitting: increase backrest angle over 90°; use lumbar support; use a small downward seat slope (10°).

    Pain Tolerance (Biopsychosocial Model)

    • An interdisciplinary approach that considers the interplay between biology (physical health, genetic predispositions), psychology (coping skills, self-esteem), and social factors (family circumstances, social support) in pain tolerance.

    Risk Classification and Guidance

    • Risk classification system identifies the priority level of risks (Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High).
    • Defines levels of acceptable risk based on tolerable and unacceptable risk tolerances.
    • Provides guidance for deciding necessary action and timescale (duration of intervention for a risk, resources)

    Phase 3: Risk Control

    • Safety measures implementation is based on updated knowledge, good practice, and addresses worker health and safety needs, including those with special or additional requirements (pregnant women, young/aging workers, workers with disabilities).
    • This process should consider the number of individuals exposed when developing intervention timescales.

    Design Safety Control Measures

    • The initial step is creating safety measures to eliminate risks, and reduce acceptable risks. The cost-benefit analysis should determine whether there is a cost-beneficial change.

    Implementing Safety Control Measures (Hierarchy)

    • Risk control is a process that starts with prevention, then protection, and finally mitigation.

    Prevention Measures

    • Removing risk.
    • Reducing risk substances.
    • Replacing risk materials, equipment, or substances (more effective during design phase)
    • Training on safety and awareness.
    • Appropriate worker procedures.
    • Maintaining good housekeeping

    Protection Measures

    • Isolating hazards/risks.
    • Using physical barriers
    • Reducing exposure duration (e.g., job rotation).
    • Implementing safety signs and restricting entry.
    • Using PPE (personal protective equipment)

    Mitigation Measures

    • Prepare when prevention / protection fails.
    • Recovery plans.
    • Emergency plans.
    • Evacuation planning and training.
    • Fire drills, tests, alarm systems, lights.
    • Return-to-work plans

    Training and Information

    • Managers and workers need to be aware of the hazards and risks, and available training. OSH Act as the legal framework.
    • Legal requirement for information and training about workplace hazards and the harm they might cause and precautions to minimize those effects.

    Phase 4: Review and Update

    • Regular review and update of risk management processes.
    • Ensuring implemented safety measures are adequate and effective.
    • Evaluating if improvements need to be made regarding new substances, equipment, or processes in the workplace.
    • Adapting risk controls based on new knowledge or emerging risks.

    Documenting the Process

    • Documenting the risk management process is crucial. Should include
    • Work activities and areas being assessed.
    • At-risk employees.
    • List of occupational risks and hazards.
    • Likelihood and severity of potential harm.
    • Risk levels and acceptability.
    • Any control measures in place.

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    Lecture 7: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the impact of ergonomic practices on hand and wrist health, focusing on carpal tunnel syndrome and common workplace postures. Participants will assess their understanding of proper grip types, spinal loads, and preventive strategies against cumulative trauma disorders. Ideal for students and professionals in health and ergonomics.

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